Manhattan Beach Multiple DUI Lawyer

Let Our Firm Help You

If you’re facing a second, third, or even fourth DUI charge in California, the stakes are significantly higher. Multiple DUI offenses come with harsher penalties, longer license suspensions, mandatory jail time, and the possibility of being charged with a felony. At Gold & Witham, our experienced Manhattan Beach multiple DUI attorney is here to fight for your rights, protect your freedom, and help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Repeat DUI charges are not just legal issues—they’re life-altering events. Whether you made a mistake or have been wrongly accused, you deserve aggressive, knowledgeable legal representation.

Contact us today for a consultation by calling (800) 716-6791.

Second DUI

A second DUI offense in California is a misdemeanor but carries substantially harsher penalties than a first offense. If you've been arrested in Manhattan Beach for a second DUI within 10 years of your first conviction, you could face:

• 96 hours to 1 year in county jail
• Fines between $390 and $1,000, plus penalty assessments
• 2-year driver’s license suspension (convertible to a restricted license in some cases)
• 18 to 30 months of DUI education classes
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)

Additionally, the court may impose probation conditions, including community service, alcohol abstinence, or participation in a treatment program.

At Gold & Witham, we carefully evaluate every detail of your arrest, from the legality of the traffic stop to the accuracy of your breath or blood test. Our goal is to minimize penalties, preserve your driving privileges, and, when possible, have charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Third DUI

A third DUI within 10 years escalates the penalties even more and places you at serious risk of longer jail time and increased restrictions.

Penalties for a third DUI conviction in Manhattan Beach include:

• 120 days to 1 year in county jail
• Fines up to $1,800 with assessments
• 3-year license revocation
• 30 months of DUI school
• Mandatory IID installation
• Designation as a "habitual traffic offender"

The impact on your personal and professional life can be devastating. Our firm works to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, seek alternative sentencing (like DUI court or treatment instead of incarceration), and protect your rights every step of the way.

Fourth or Subsequent DUI

A fourth DUI offense in California is often charged as a felony, particularly if prior convictions are recent or if there are aggravating factors (such as injury to another party).

Potential felony DUI consequences include:

• 16 months to 3 years in state prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines and penalty assessments
• 4-year license revocation
• Habitual offender status
• Possible designation as a convicted felon, which affects employment, housing, and civil rights

Felony DUI convictions are incredibly serious, but they are also defensible. At Gold & Witham, we use strategic defenses like contesting prior convictions, proving procedural errors, and negotiating with prosecutors to reduce or reclassify charges. Every case is different, and we tailor our legal strategy to the specific circumstances of your case.

FAQs About Multiple DUIs in Manhattan Beach, CA

How long do DUI convictions stay on my record in California?

In California, DUI convictions remain on your driving record for 10 years. These prior offenses are considered when determining whether a new charge will be treated as a second, third, or fourth DUI.

Can a multiple DUI charge be reduced to a lesser offense?

Yes. Depending on the facts of the case—such as faulty testing equipment, improper police procedure, or insufficient evidence—a multiple DUI charge can be reduced to a wet reckless, reckless driving, or dismissed altogether. However, reductions are more challenging with repeat offenses and require skilled legal representation.

Will I lose my license automatically after a second or third DUI?

Not automatically, but the California DMV will initiate an administrative suspension after your arrest unless you request a hearing within 10 days. In addition to the court-imposed penalties, the DMV’s administrative penalties are separate and must be contested independently. We represent clients in both criminal and DMV proceedings to safeguard your license.

Is jail time mandatory for a third DUI in California?

Generally, yes. For a third DUI conviction, California law mandates a minimum of 120 days in jail. However, depending on your case and jurisdiction, alternative sentencing options—such as electronic monitoring, work release, or residential treatment—may be available. An experienced DUI lawyer can argue for these alternatives.

What defenses are available for multiple DUI charges?

Some common defenses include:

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
• Improper administration of field sobriety or chemical tests
• Rising blood alcohol content (BAC) defense
• Medical conditions that mimic signs of intoxication
• Errors in the police report or chain of custody

At Gold & Witham, we investigate every angle to build a strong, customized defense strategy.

Contact a Trusted Manhattan Beach Multiple DUI Attorney Today

Facing a second, third, or fourth DUI charge is daunting—but you are not alone. The consequences of a multiple DUI conviction can derail your future, but early, skilled legal intervention can change the course of your case. At Gold & Witham, our Manhattan Beach multiple DUI lawyer has the experience, dedication, and tenacity to fight for your rights and help you move forward.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—call (800) 716-6791 or contact us online today to protect your freedom, your license, and your future.